Written Answers Nos. 287-297
291. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the unit cost per hour if the affordable child care scheme was modelled on the basis of an average wage of €11.50 for child care assistants, with proportionate increases for management staff. [9073/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Policy Paper on the Development of the Affordable Childcare Scheme includes a sensitivity analysis that examines the potential impact of wage increases on the unit cost per hour of childcare, including analysis of the impact of moving to a wage of €11.50 per hour for childcare workers.
As stated on pages 109-110 of the Policy Paper,
“While a process of professionalisation has been under way for some time, with the proportion of graduates (NFQ Level 7 or above) now reaching 18%, and a minimum qualification requirement (Level 5) came into force for the first time in December 2016, it remains the case that average wages are only slightly above the minimum wage. As wages account for well over half of costs, an on-going process of professionalisation that results in an increase in staff wages could significantly increase the costs of provision.
“An increase in staff wages to the ‘Living Wage’ of €11.50 per hour, with managers’ wages rising proportionately to €14.78, would increase the average unit cost of provision from €4.67 to €4.92.”
292. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the person or body she consulted prior to the files on persons (details supplied) held by Tusla being deleted; if the metadata were copied before the deletion of the files; if her attention has been drawn to the identity of the person who created the files and accessed them subsequently; if she consulted Tusla's data protection officer prior to the deletion of these files; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9076/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matters referred to by the Deputy are operational matters for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and I have no involvement in the day to day running of the service. Also, Tusla is a data controller in its own right and I would not expect to be consulted about the actions it takes in this regard. I have stated previously in the Oireachtas that Tusla has advised me that it has deleted the electronic records, as requested by the family. The relevant hard copy records are being held securely in preparation for the Tribunal of Inquiry. This question is one of the issues I would expect to be examined in that forum.
294. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures the Defence Forces are taking to ensure the appropriate application of the working time directive; and the consultation that has taken place with the representative associations. [8925/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe implications of the Working Time Directive and its implementation, in respect of the Defence Forces, under the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, have been the subject of an intensive and ongoing review by my Department with a view moving away from the current blanket exemption in respect of Defence Forces activities under the Act and ensuring maximum compliance with the Directive.
Following the completion by the Defence Forces of an audit of its activities, and consideration of certain activities that meet the criteria for the exemptions and derogations, my Department is liaising with the Department and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation with a view to implementing appropriate provisions in the amending legislation being brought forward by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
Appropriate consultation with the Defence Forces representative associations, taking account of the outcome of this deliberation and liaison, will form part of the process towards successfully implementing these measures.
295. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the national and international third level and research institutes which have been consulted with regard to the development of a new institute for peace support and leadership training at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8980/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have indicated previously to you in my response to PQ 27090/16, scoping work was carried out on the proposal for a Peace Support and Leadership Training Institute at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh throughout 2016 and still continues.
In addition to a concept paper being developed some initial consultation with national and international third level and research institutes and potential philanthropic contributors also took place.
I am advised that the overall concept was discussed at a meeting with representatives from a number of national and international academic institutions held in December 2015 including the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), UCD, DCU, UCG, UCC, NUIM, Carlow IT and UL. In 2016 consultation took place with representatives from the Department of Education and Skills.
Further consultation has also taken place with representatives of DCU, UCD, NUIM and the Kennedy Institute at both Ministerial and official level.
Contact has also been initiated with some international institutes including the Center for International Peace Operations in Berlin and the Centre for Security Studies in Zurich. Ongoing additional consultation is required to further explore the feasibility of the concept and this is expected to continue in 2017.
296. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the funding that is being allocated for regeneration of the Curragh Camp for residents and students attending schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9092/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs recently stated the Department is engaged in an ongoing building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces within the Curragh Camp. As part of the White Paper implementation a comprehensive assessment has been undertaken of the infrastructure within the Camp. From this assessment a development plan is being completed which will inform the regeneration programme for the Camp. A number of projects have already commenced in the Camp.
In 2017 the projected spend on infrastructure within the Camp is approximately €8m. Projects include a secure storage facility, accommodation upgrade, gas conversion programme and the upgrade of locker facilities. Development and maintenance of schools is a matter for the Department of Education and Skills.
297. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if each Minister of State in his Department has appointed a programme manager or adviser; the date of such appointment; and the remuneration and expenses allowance for each. [9531/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI appointed two special advisers under Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. Their contracts of employment commenced with effect from 6 May 2016 and 18 May 2016 respectively. I have not appointed a Programme Manager.
The salary scale for each special adviser is €79,401 - €91,624. Travel and subsistence expenses are paid at standard Civil Service Rates and in accordance with Civil Service Regulations.
